The Sapphire Sorceress

Disclaimer: The rights to Kingdom Hearts belong to Disney and Square Enix.

Act 21: Dismiss

"Then allow me another question. You accept darkness, yet choose to live in the light. So why is it that you loathe us who teeter on the edge of nothing? We who were turned away by both light and dark—never given a choice?"

Castle Oblivion: ( Aqua )

My journal continued my newly discovered memories from yesterday. The pages had my detailed thoughts on my past that I nearly uncovered. I also drew the face of Terra being controlled by Xehanort and that monster behind him. Gazing at my friend being unable to stop himself I thought tears were coming down my cheek. I remembered that I could not really feel sadness as a nobody, but then why am I acting this way about him?

"I don't have a heart my emotions are just hollow illusions." That's right even if I concern for Terra was genuine without emotions I could not truly feel sorrow. The lonely thoughts could not be projected without my heart so in a way I was unable to feel the pain of loss. Should I find my friends how would they take this news? I would be reunited with them yet I could not enjoy myself like a somebody.

"All the more reason to regain my heart." Yes the great wonder of Kingdom Hearts would change all of this. Closing the book I decided to make the meeting with the child who would bring me one step closer to finishing my goals. My black shoes walked through the white hallway of the castle. I could remember other people being in this place including someone who taught me how to wield a keyblade, but the name escapes me. The memories also had me practicing my skills with Terra, and Ventus as that older teacher and Xehanort observed us.

Could this place be connected with that world from my past somehow? I can't worry about that right now I focused my efforts on pushing towards the door revealing Namine. I was not expecting Lexaeus and Marluxia having a major argument with Namine being on the floor in pain. What the hell just happened here?

"You're pushing her too hard Marluxia she is not just some mindless Dusk."

"If anything you're being too gentle Taciturn Stalwart. Namine is not a somebody with real emotions besides she can become strong enough to resist breaking so easily."

"You are stepping out of line Marluxia! It's one thing to study her, but you were trying to abuse your power to see how you can manipulate her. I won't accept that kind of action."

"The girl will be fine that much is certain, but you forget yourself Number V. I am the "lord of this castle" disobedience would be considered treason against the Organization."

Namine titled her head in my direction and quickly ran over to my side. She did not have any physical injures however her mental state was likely damaged. What did Marluxia do to her?

"I just can't take it anymore...I have to see him no matter what but I don't want to..."

My glares were pointing in Marluxia's direction knowing he likely instigated this whole event. The ruler of this castle knew I was catching on whatever just happened here. Larxene stepped in pointing a finger at Lexaeus accusingly.

"Don't be quick to judge you should have listened to what Lexaeus said about Namine before you arrived." Was she just lying to cover for Marluxia's actions? Staring at the silent giant his face looked downwards at the floor.

"Apparently our giant "pal" here wants Xemnas to change her body to become a stronger nobody." She spoke waving a hand like the comment was nothing special. Lexaeus could not have said that about Namine. Who was he to decide what Namine would become, and looking at his face once more he didn't seem to deny that claim Larxene made.

"Namine's power easily would be used by others, and so to protect herself she must become strong enough to defend herself. If anything Marluxia and Larxene will break her until she's a mindless doll."

"Hey just because I don't like kids does not mean I'm going to actually harm her!"

"You're lying just like Marluxia is and-"

"That is enough all of you! Just leave me alone with Namine now!" I ordered all of them to leave the poor girl alone for a while. I could not really believe any of them now. They all seemed to agree with my line of thinking giving me some time to make peace with the girl.

"Now about earlier who is it you said that you wanted to see?" I remembered that comment she made before that argument started. To help get her mind off that why not learn about this mystery person. She didn't shiver anymore and her eyes matched mine while answering the question.

"He's the one who I've dreamed about for so long. It's...Sora he is the one most important to her." That name Sora continued being mentioned by many people these days. It seemed like everyone knew about him except for me. What I wanted to know is how she knows about Sora if she's been locked up in this castle for so long.

"I really want to meet him, but to do so I would need for him to come here. That's what Marluxia said he can do for me yet I...I-"

"Let's not worry about that now. So do you want to ask me something now?" I knew she was going to revert into her shell if I didn't move the subject towards something else. She did calm down once more and pondered what she wanted to ask me about for a while. The more we learn from each other the better off Namine will be here. Perhaps we can start a relationship if she can trust me completely.

"I know you from somewhere, but you seem different. You were not wearing a black cloak or lacked a heart." Did she knew me like others have before? Staring in confusing I noticed her face and body looked very similar to someone else with red-colored hair instead.

"I don't seem like the only one with memories that I can't understand after all." My sigh gained a notice from Namine who suddenly walked over to a table with cards left by Vexen. Her hand revealed a blank card to me, and I was unsure what she wanted me to use it for.

"I can't use my power on your memories you are not connected to Sora that well, but you can place your recovered memories into this card. This castle has the power to draw out the memories you have into changing the rooms of the floor to match those memories. I believe if you explore those images and people from your mind the rest of your memories will be found there."

Could she actually do that? Take hold of memories and change them to people the closest to Sora? Slowing grabbing hold of the card I doubted if this would actually work for a moment.

"Will I regret seeing those memories once more?" I knew my history contained both good and bad times so going through my past life would not simple.

"That's up to you Auxaq we all have dark periods in our lives that are full of pain, but we have to move on and deal with those moments to live on for the future. I believe you are capable of handling whatever trials your mind gives you, and once it's over with you will know who you are once more. It's a wonderful gift to know who you are in the world so it's time you get it back."

Even while looking like a young child her knowledge was rather amazing. While she could not defend herself from others her gifts were something to cherish and not manipulate. I would need to think what needs to be done for her once we leave this place. I figured the Superior might have a clue about keeping her safe.

"I believe you can do this Auxaq you seem different from the others here in this castle. Your kindness even without that which allows such an emotion can't be underestimated."

Her words seemed to give me the strength I needed to accept this ordeal in front of me. Grasping the card in my hand I did as Namine instructed pouring whatever thoughts I can think about into this card. While my memories of this place were not complete I hoped it would be enough for this thing. Opening my eyes I could the image on the card enter my vision.

"This is...my home?" The card's image didn't look complete, but I could make out the shape of a garden that looked beautiful. Namine's hand pointed towards a door that she wanted me to use the card on to active its power. Holding the card up high I noticed the light blind the room for a moment. The door did not look that different from what it was before yet I did feel some new energy flowing out from it.

I slowly walked towards the door thinking for a moment to question myself and my actions. If I didn't know any better this could have been fear in my mind, but I shook my head looking back at Namine. Her head nodded to give me the support needed to push forward and open the door to reveal the world that I had forgotten...

Land of Departure: ( Aqua )

My heels stepped through the pathway revealing the new settings I just created through the card made from my shattered memories. To think such a room could house a huge site was surprising. This castle was such a wonder to create such a place like this. Still not everything looked right I noticed parts of this world had the design of Castle Oblivion. While most of the room looked like a bright mountain with a huge building in the background some of the floor looked incomplete. The white floor of the castle was in contrast to the grassy area I was observing. Perhaps this was due to the card being made with incomplete memories.

"I wonder if I will meet Terra and Ventus here..." Taking my first steps through the world I observed the empty hills I strolled through seeing the wind blow through the area. Unlike in my dreams I was still wearing the uniform of the Organization stuck in my current state of being. To my surprise the area lacked any form of life. I took notice of a door suddenly in my sight as my legs moved towards wonder why it was in the middle of this open area. I moved my gloved hand over it to open the door, but suddenly I felt something knock me over. There was a blue blob moving around near me. It had red eyes and it seemed like it wanted to attack me.

"A heartless?" While it seemed to behave like the mindless creatures of darkness it looked very different in design. The heartless also seemed to behave different from this monster who seemed more angry than hungry. Holding out my weapons I deflect the strikes it tried to hit me with from its arms. Despite its fury I withstood the wrath of the beast easily knocking the creature back into the ground with a swipe. It seemed to shimmer away when I gained the upper hand. Unlike the heartless it also seemed to show intelligence. This creature was very unique in nature compared to the instinctive heartless. It also left behind a card with the same logo imprinted on its face. The door must have a system where the cards can open the path into the next room, and so I took a gamble with presenting the card taken from the monster.

The idea paid off as the door pulled open to reveal the next room, and it look like the first area's design. I did notice the sun was now up in the sky revealing the breathtaking sight of the valley. Despite lacking the ability to enjoy such a visual pleasure I knew in my mind this place was wonderful to look at. The sky did have some black holes in it along with more parts of Castle Oblivion in the background. I thought I was walking on thin air when I noticed the grass flicker away to show nothing underneath my feet.

"If he were to―If those powers were to prove too much for him to handle, I want you to bring him back to me at once. It's for his own good. I could not bear to lose any of you to the darkness."

My head turned to find the source of that voice only to see more of these new foes look at me. There was two creatures with claws around them, and behind them was a giant monster with a huge gut. They easily were more difficult to deal with that those smaller ones, but I did not let them pressure me like the heartless. Holding off the attacks from these beasts I decided to take advantage of the slow speed of the bigger threats dodging their attacks.

I decided to tap into the power of my lore abilities instead of using Monsoon, and so I waited for the enemy to make its next move. The smaller creatures began to attack at the same time which forced me on the defensive, but I knew they could not hold up for long. Spinning my body around I felt balls of light appear and drew the enemies back as my limbs did not stop moving until they went into retreat. Like the first time the card was left as the reward for winning the battle. This time however the card had a symbol well from what I can see as the card was looking very incomplete.

Once more I made my new path with the power of the card to arrive in a new place. It was actually near the giant building from before, and there was someone looking at me. He looked very aged as he was clad in white with armor boots, and in his hands was a keyblade? Walking closer the man seemed to know me as he moved over to move a hand on my shoulder.

"Aqua I've looked all over for you today. Don't you know that the Mark of Mastery will soon begin for you and Terra? I know you're disappointed Ventus won't take part in the exam, but I just thought you should know he will be there to witness it."

Despite the fact he knew my friends by their names I didn't remember much about this man leaving me very confused. He must have known me well if he was speaking to me about this "Mark of Mastery" exam. Wait a minute his voice just now it sounded like that person from before in my memories. Ohh what is his name he was the only person I could not remember out of everyone else...

"Are you okay Aqua you look like you're drifting off."

"I know this is strange of me to ask, but do you mind telling me your name?" As expected the man looked surprised by my request. I had to stay careful he didn't suspect I was trying to manipulate him.

"Aqua...are you sure you're okay even you should know the name of the master you're learning under. Then again everyone seems different from how they usually are why is that?" Okay I need to think of a good way to explain things without revealing what's happened to me.

"Well if I'm taking the exam I need to remember this stuff. It's just there is so much I've remembered in my head I kind of lost track of a few things like your name. Besides that I'm quite alright Master erm..." Holding my hands over my face pretending to show confusion I hoped he would buy into my story.

"I see well I do suppose your heart could be under some stress which is understandable. Still if it makes you feel at ease you are speaking with Master Eravwvwvwvw." What did he just say? I thought his voice cut out or my ears didn't hear him correctly. With a frown I asked him to repeat that last part again.

"My name is Master Eravwvwvwvwvwvwv."

"Why can't I hear your name? I have to remember your name!" I can't stay in control of myself and his face showed concerned about me. Damn it how could I not get his name it was Era...Era no no no!

"Aqua wait!" I ran off hoping he would not be able to follow me. How was I unable to understand him then? I could not let my master see me in this kind of state. Unable to remember his own name how shameful. Getting my breath back I knew that I ran pretty far away from him so I could think to myself for a while. Why can't my memories return to me there is still so much that is blank.

"The Mark of Mastery perhaps that is the key." If Terra would be there it would be a good place to start learning more. I made my way into the next area which lead me into the building. The Castle Oblivion walls clashed with the color of this place. The black holes in the floor also put me an in uneasy mood. Could I really continue on if the world is becoming so shattered apart?

There were now two doors in my path one leading to the right direction. I would need to consider which door would lead me in the right direction, but before that I would need to deal with the enemies. Now they came in the form of two floating monsters with spinning discs above their heads. Just another round nothing that I can't handle! As they tried blasting me from far away my Monsoon was spinning after them. The battle was just beginning for me.

Castle Oblivion: ( Axel )

The red-haired assassin knew Auxaq would likely try to regain her memories today with Namine's help. With her mind back to normal she would easily find that place in the castle no one else could find without ended up lost in the maze. He simply pretend that he was happy for her sake. This also might the plan might need to involve her demise as well. While he's still an unfeeling shell of his somebody self, Axel did not want to just kill her so easily to please Saix like the rest of the crew in this place.

"Boy I wish I didn't have to get stuck with the nasty jobs." He would need to decide how he should act soon with Marluxia moving along with his scheme. This also means he would need to get close to him while keeping Auxaq out of his hands. The last thing he did not want to deal with was another person going along with his plan. As he made his way up the castle he came across Vexen's new research room. He had been very busy in this place hardly come topside to meet with the higher-ups of the Organization.

"Hmm the subject is performing well so far, but time will tell if it can meet it's purpose or end up a worthless defect." Axel's interest peaked once he heard that comment. While he knew the scientist was into his experiments he never got to learn about them in detail. Looking through the opened door he saw a bunch of notes on the wall with a video monitor Vexen was observing, and he was unable to see the member spying on his work.

"I will need to produce a new replica soon to study during my stay in this place. With the current one performing well I believe we should amass several more of them. With enough of these units the Organization's power would reach new heights, and my work would truly be realized!" The fire based user did not know what Vexen was scheming now. The replica project is something he had little information on, but if Vexen was trying to mass-produce them it might become a problem for Saix. He now realized why the seventh wanted the fourth eliminated.

"So it seems you've set your eyes on Riku not Sora Vexen?" Axel knew that was Zexion's voice arriving to greet his ally in science and knowledge.

"Sora is nothing all that special just another keybearer, and I've used the talents for the birth of one of my works. His light is something I can't find anything that is unique but Riku is another story. He managed to become used as a vessel of "Ansem" that fake heartless of the man the Superior studied under. His darkness has managed to shape into something must useful, and if I were to get my hands on that boy."

"Yes that does sound intriguing however no one has heard anything about his current whereabouts. The last anyone heard about him the boy sank into the Realm of Darkness." Riku's face was unknown to everyone that knew him, but that didn't seem to concern Vexen. He smiled even while his partner doubted he was still alive.

"I would not underestimate the skills of the one who follows the dark. Just as the warrior of the light is something Marluxia desires to claim for his own." Axel was now curious if Vexen was planning on taking Riku as his own prize. Everyone seemed to have their own plan for what to do in the upcoming days. He was all by himself so if anyone found out his true purpose in being here then he would end up becoming the hunter.

"I wonder if Axel will take that news well. He seems to stay by himself these days, and to think the Organization used to have such tight bonds."

"So long as he does not get in my way I really don't care Zexion. Still Xemnas seems to known mostly what's going on here from what I gathered during our last meeting." Axel knew it was a good time to leave this room before he was found spying on them, but he noticed the design of someone on the monitors. He didn't know who it was, but he saw the name of Sora and Auxaq written above the image. He knew that he would be visiting this place again to know what Vexen had done. For now he went upstairs to check in on the rest of the members.

"Time to pal around the schemers." Axel moved his arms over the back of his head as he made his way up into the near his surprise Marluxia and Larxene were not in sight as he arrived in the upper area of the castle. He was able to find the girl that's captured the interest of everyone else here. Axel then realized Auxaq must have ventured into her memories by herself. Namine felt somewhat worried about being around even Axel out of fear he could treat her badly like Marluxia.

"Namine! So she's already gone back into her old days in the next room." The door that was brightly light gave him that confirmation. There was not much he can do, but watch and wait for her return. If she can regain those memories then he would finally meet that Ventus that she's so fond to have back.

"I believe she will learn everything she has lost, but what she does not remember might be something that's better left forgotten."

"What do you mean by that exactly?"

"I can't say for certain, but something from her mind terrifies me. While I can't change her memories since she is not connected to Sora I was able to see a few of the clear images. The details are something I don't know much, and I doubt she was a horrible person before losing her heart. What I did manage to see scares me deeply, and I fear every one of you will soon learn why..." Namine began to hold her hands together shivering in fear. Axel was unclear about what is was going on with everyone. He knew his goal was to assassinate the traitors, but he did not sign up for any of this.

Land of Departure: Exam Area ( Aqua )

I had trouble with those different brands of creatures in the hallway. Even so my determination was not weakened by their assault. So I managed to get another card, and like that other special card there was a unique symbol on it. From what I could see it appeared in the shape of a heart. Will this card lead me into finding new memories? The only way I would find out is going through the doorway allowing to light to consume my black clad form.

"There you are we were beginning to worry that you would be late Aqua." My old name I've heard everyone call me that when I visited this place so why was I here exactly? My eyes moved towards Terra and Ventus looking at me expecting to join them. While my mind told me to run towards them my body was shaking violently. Would they know what I've become now if I showed them. Then again these are just images of my past, but then why did I feel like they were real to me?

"Sorry Terra, and Ven I guess time passed me by its just that..." I was unsure how to respond as they both looked concerned about my line of thought. The man from before suddenly walked into room along with Xehanort! My hands clenched tightly as I felt disgust for even being in the same room as that man. He was the one who ruined all of our lives wait what am I saying? I can't truly be angry without having my heart. Besides this was just a project not the real master. Sighing I let the fantasy continue on hoping to learn more about these events.

"Today is the beginning of the next Mark of Mastery exams. As you all know each student learns to train in using the keyblade in battle, and to control the power of the light. Your other master Xehanort has experience with the darkness which you must resist the temptation to use its power. Today there will be a battle with two students to begin the exams. Terra and Aqua step forward."

Xehanort's lips grew into a smirk while he listened to that speech made by the other master. Terra was looking over at him which made me worry. Why didn't I see the signs before about him being seduced by the darkness? The elderly man rose up to point at each one of us.

"While Master Eraqus relishes in the light I happen to see things from a different viewpoint. The darkness can have a way to gain a mighty advantage on the battlefield. The light while bright can fool you into accepting things as they are, but in the dark you might truly see the world for what it is." Wait that is his name Eraqus, but why didn't I hear that before when he told me?

"Naturally Xehanort would try to tempt much like the darkness does to young ones like yourselves. Now then let's begin the battle!"

As Terra and myself walked to the center for our battle I noticed that I was no longer in my Organization outfit. Just like in my dream I would face my friend as myself. The other difference is I was holding the keyblade without having it burn my hand. The blade I had dismissed was finally back in my hand. The weight of the weapon did not wear down my arm in the least. It was light as a feather almost like it was under my control. Looking at Terra he seemed ready for battle which caused me to get serious. I knew this was not a possessed Terra so I was more willing to take it easy, but that was not how it went before was it?

"Don't think I will go easy on you my friend! I'm going to become a master!"

Terra you really did strive to earn the role of master didn't you? Still that's also what I wanted and got in the end. I might have lost you and Ventus, but that does not mean I'm a keybearer for nothing!

"Show me that you are ready for that Terra!" Holding out my blade I deflect the first strike for his keyblade. I must remove all of my concern about the past and future. To dull out the pain and anger of my hollow shell to reach the truth. Already I've gained so much of my life back yet there is still so much more to regain. Even if it means fighting against someone I care about then I will dismiss my fear! I will face the enemy that stands before me no matter who that person is or what he represents. I will gain everything back one part at a time!

[ Soo 2.8 that is very interesting news. I think it's just something to hold us over until 3 comes out likely next year. As for Aqua I'm already glad to see her get more time. As for this story I'm going to work on other projects so the next installment will take some time. Still I hope you've enjoyed my work and sorry about the cliffhanger. :P]